There is no reason they can't store the serial number in the registry and have the program provide it to the patching software. Windows does it. Stardock can even encrypt it in the registry if that makes them feel better about it. Typing in the same outrageously long serial number over and over is not more secure - it's just frustrating.
GalCiv2 Forums
I think the number of Improvements to starbases needs to be significantly scaled back. I think the "never ending upgrade" isn't really fun. Starbase Defenses could just automatically upgrade to your best weapons/defense techs as your technologies improve. That having been said, I've always used Defender ships to guard my starbases. Put them in Guard mode on the same tile as the starbase. Attackers must destroy the defender before they get to the starbase.
The whole surrender thing is one of the most agravating things about this game. If you're conquering a race, you should get their surrender. It seems totally random.
The most agravating problem I have is when I upgrade a ship, the name of the ship doesn't change so it's difficult to identify the actual class of the ship. I've noticed that whenever a ship is built, a unique Ship Id is appended to the class name of the ship (i.e. Enterprise 1232). Would it be possible to have the class name of the ship change but preserve the Ship Id. (Enterprise 1232 Changes to Defiant 1232) when upgrading a ship?
...have to type in that god-awful long serial number EVERY TIME I DOWNLOAD A BLOODY PATCH?!?!? I mean can't you store it the registry and read it from there or something? There has to be a better way than this. Sorry, rant over now.
GalCiv2 Forums
As I recall, in MoO2, in order to upgrade a ship, you had to place it in a spaceport and acually put the upgrade in the build queue just like building a new ship except that the time and cost was smaller. Actual time and cost should increase as the difference between the old and new technology increases. And, there is a point where upgrading a ship isn't cost effective anymore. Why do you think the Iowa class battleships are now mothballed? Why don't they take all of the ships in
Player control of tactical battles is the one MoO2 feature I miss the most and is at the top of my wish list for future expansion packs. Half the fun of designing your own ships is being able to tailor them to your own combat style. But Brad sounds pretty stubborn about never including it so I'm not holding my breath. Too bad. Putting tactical combat in multiplayer would be a mistake. It would slow down the game.